Indian cricketer Sarfaraz Khan showcased his immense potential by scoring his maiden Test century on Day 4 of the first Test match against New Zealand. The right-handed batter illuminated the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, playing a vital knock when the hosts needed it the most. With his team battling to recover from a deficit, Sarfaraz stepped up under pressure, showing remarkable composure and skill against a formidable New Zealand bowling attack.

Crucial knock under pressure

The remarkable century came during the 57th over of India’s second innings, bowled by New Zealand’s experienced pacer Tim Southee. Sarfaraz, in his characteristic style, unleashed a backfoot punch wide of cover, sending the ball racing past the infield for a boundary. That shot not only brought him his hundred but also marked a significant moment in India’s innings, as they were looking to build a lead. Considering India was under pressure, having to claw back into the game after trailing by a considerable margin, Sarfaraz’s innings displayed tremendous grit and mental toughness. He handled the pace and spin with confidence, blending defense and aggression in his 4-hour stay at the crease.

His innings was laced with exquisite drives, fierce pulls, and calculated strikes, making him a nightmare for the bowlers. The Bengaluru crowd cheered every run, fully aware of the significance of his knock. His calmness and clarity in shot selection, even when wickets were tumbling at the other end, illustrated his maturity as a cricketer.

Celebrations overflow as Sarfaraz reaches milestone

The moment the ball crossed the infield, Sarfaraz celebrated in style, raising his hands aloft while running with his bat held high. He soaked in the electric atmosphere, taking off his helmet, and acknowledging the applause from the dressing room, the crowd, and even looking up to the skies. It was a celebration of character, clarity, and resilience under pressure, reflected in every shot he played during his impressive innings. Sarfaraz’s emotions were visible on his face as he pointed his bat towards the dressing room and hugged his batting partner. The celebration didn’t just reflect a milestone but also a journey of perseverance and hard work to earn a spot in the Test side.

The young batter’s century has come at a time when India is searching for middle-order stability, and this innings will certainly boost his confidence moving forward in the series.

Also WATCH: IND vs NZ – Rohit Sharma stands in disbelief after his unlucky dismissal on Day 3 of Bengaluru Test

Fans react to Sarfaraz’s historic century

Sarfaraz’s sensational performance sparked jubilation among fans, who took to social media to shower praise on the young batter. Many admired his fighting spirit, pointing out how he handled the pressure and guided India to a stronger position in the match.

Here is how fans reacted:

A moment Sarfaraz Khan will remember forever! ☺️

He is jubilant, Rishabh Pant applauds & the dressing room on its feet! 👏 👏

Live ▶️ https://t.co/8qhNBrrtDF#TeamIndia | #INDvNZ | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/pwt12jHfND

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 19, 2024

Absolute delight for Sarfaraz Khan. Loved the way his teammates seemed to enjoy that first test century for him as much as he did. Never gave up and kept working.

— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) October 19, 2024

Well Played, Sarfraz 👏👏 #INDvsNZ

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 19, 2024

The CELEBRATION after reaching the maiden Test Hundred🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/FxRNcbxhU6

— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) October 19, 2024

Cometh the hour
Cometh the Sarfaraz!💯*🥳🔥#WhistlePodu #INDvNZ
📸 : BCCI pic.twitter.com/0E7cqQzufB

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) October 19, 2024

Love how Sarfaraz Khan is giving the finger to the ‘Mumbai school of batting’ 😉
Finally, it’s all about runs & boy he knows how to get those! 👏👏👏#INDvNZ

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) October 19, 2024

Rohit: That was an effortless maiden century

Sarfaraz Khan: pic.twitter.com/2ujVWsXmOb

— Sagar (@sagarcasm) October 19, 2024

Sarfaraz Khan and the art of knocking doors down… what a star! 💥 #IndvNZ

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) October 19, 2024

𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐧’𝐭 stop, won’t stop! 🔥

𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐳 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞! ♥️#INDvNZ #SarfarazKhan pic.twitter.com/WaDVqo4VHx

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) October 19, 2024

Maiden Test hundred by Sarfaraz Khan 🔥🏏#cricket #INDvNZ #SarfarazKhan #indiancricketteam #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/7TAIybhXl2

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 19, 2024

Two Special pictures to remember in Indian Cricket 🥹

– SARFARAZ KHAN IS THE MAN. pic.twitter.com/MwC61PEtKZ

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 19, 2024

First Test hundred for Sarfaraz Khan. Special hundred considering the situation India were in when he walked out to bat. So many years of hardworking, consistency and patience finally bore fruit. First of many hundreds. And, he should consistently play in the XI #INDvNZ

— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) October 19, 2024

THAT Sarfaraz Khan moment. Hopefully, the first of many.

India had a star and that star is shining. When thr pressure was at its highest. pic.twitter.com/FtOpJ6r4ip

— archith (@InswinginMenace) October 19, 2024

Sarfaraz Khan का जश्न, Ahaa!!#INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/ekZ1ahPMtv

— अर्पित आलोक मिश्र (@arpitalokmishra) October 19, 2024

Also WATCH: Ravindra Jadeja cleans up Glenn Phillips with a beauty on Day 3 of the Bengaluru Test

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